Thursday, during a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy, the U.S Ambassador to Haiti, Mr. Peter F. Mulrean, in the presence of Haitian government officials including the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Camille Edouard Junior and the Director of the Haitian National Police (HNP), Michel-Ange Gédéon, saluted the admission of two young Haitians Naissa Lindsey Pierre and Pierre Erick Wawa to the United States Coast Guard Academy Class of 2020 International Cadet Program." This is the first time that Haitians will participate in this program which has existed since 1971.

Ambassador Mulrean congratulated Ms. Pierre and Mr. Wawa for their dynamism and their commitment throughout the selection process. He also commended the support of various government entities, especially the Minister of the Interior and Territorial Collectivities, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the Haitian National Police (HNP) to the realization of this program. He said: “Today we celebrate the beginning of a promising journey for two future leaders in the Haitian National Police." "We also acknowledge the commitment of the Government of Haiti and its Office of the Prime Minister, as well as the efforts of the HNP, to support Naissa and Pierre throughout their cadet period and their future careers in the HNP. With the continued commitment of both the US and Haitian Governments, Naissa and Pierre will accomplish great things at the US Coast Guard Academy and in the Haitian National Police. "

The Coast Guard Academy is one of four military academies in the United States offering a four-year degree in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering; Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering; Operational research; Environmental science and marine; Government; Mechanical Engineering and Management. This is an intensive undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science. The program associated with military training and leadership enables graduates to assume leadership roles in the maritime service and in government.

The program was open to Haitians in 2014. In 2015, dozens of candidates applied for the program and Naissa Lindsey Pierre and Pierre Erick Wawa were the two candidates who demonstrated the required skills and competencies.

To be selected, candidates must undergo a series of tests including the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or the American College Test assessment (ACT) and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the English Comprehension Level (ECL).

The Fellows will leave Haiti soon to begin their training in the United States. They will return to serve their country by working in the National Police of Haiti (HNP) and the Coast Guard.

HL/ HaitiLibre